The Rattle for Burma

Manawatu Times, Volume 67, Issue 30, 5 February 1942, Page 5

The Rattle for Burma

LONDON, Feb. 3. Earlier messages stated that the battle for Burma has been joined over a 50-mile front from the mouth of the fcialween river to Paan, which is 40 miles due north of Moulmein. The Japanese are still trying to bridge the {Salween river over the numerous small islands and mudflats dotting the estuary. The Japanese have been attempting to land on Bilugyan Island from small craft, but so far without success. British bombers and lighters are harassing the Japanese along the balween and on the islands. A gun emplacement from which Martaban, across the estuary, was shelled, was knocked out. The British are guarding against landings all round tfte southern and south-western coasts. Burmese troops, for the first time in half a centurv, are participating in the war. They went into action in the withdrawal from Tenasserim province, winning tfte highest praise from their British officers.

Tuesday 'a Singapore communique says: “There has been considerable enemy air activity in the past 24 hours over Singapore. High-level and divebombing attacks caused some fires, but military casualties were slight. f i ' cro was no enemy ground activity against our defences. Bombers of the Inr East Command last night raided iUuang aerodrome, on the Malayan mainland. They also attacked enemy . motor transport from a low level. All our planes returned safely. ” Japanese aircraft attacking Malang (Java) used a new technique. Fighters created a circle of black smoke over the aerodrome under the layer of clouds,

thus indicating to the bombers where to unload their bombs. One grounded plane was set on fire, but the hangars were not hit.

The Chinese military spokesman, quoting intelligence reports, said to-day that the entire Japanese 18th Division ?n a nn anmhilated in Mala J a - More than 10,000 urns containing the ashes of Japanese dead, he said, had reached Saigon.